Insider politics from across the State of South Carolina – SCHotline Press Box

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) delivered the statement below following an announcement from the White House this morning that President Bush plans to lift an Executive Moratorium on offshore drilling.

“I was very pleased to learn this morning, in a statement released by the White House, that President Bush plans to lift the executive ban on offshore oil drilling. Today’s announcement is a strong move toward a short-term solution addressing the current energy crisis; however, swift Congressional action is needed to fully lift the federal moratorium.

“It is now up to my colleagues and I to act quickly and pass legislation that will give our states the option to explore the deep waters off the U.S. coast for oil and natural gas. Without legislative direction from Congress, drilling cannot occur, and the domestic energy resources we have available to help ease the burden of high gas prices and move us toward self-reliance will remain off limits.

“This short-term solution will not ease gas prices overnight, but it is a step in the right direction to lead our country to energy independence for the future and sends a strong message that our country is searching for solutions to help citizens. I strongly urge Congress to follow the President’s lead, place partisanship aside and focus on crafting and passing legislation that will deliver an energy solution to assist American families,” said Congressman Gresham Barrett.